Baked Tennessee Onions
Sweet onions baked until tender and caramelized, smothered in butter and melted cheese — rich, savory, and irresistibly simple.
Servings
4–6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
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3–4 large sweet onions (Vidalia preferred)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel onions and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Separate rings slightly and place evenly in a greased baking dish.
2. Season
Drizzle melted butter over the onions.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
3. Add Cheese
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the onions.
4. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until onions are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly with light browning.
5. Serve
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve hot.
Q & A
Q: Why are they called “Tennessee Onions”?
It’s a Southern-style casserole popular in Tennessee, especially using Vidalia or other sweet onions and lots of cheese and butter.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes.
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Assemble up to 24 hours ahead
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Cover and refrigerate
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Bake when ready (add 5 extra minutes)
Q: What onions work best?
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Vidalia (best)
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Walla Walla
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Maui
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Yellow onions (less sweet, still good)
Avoid red onions — flavor is too sharp.
Q: Can I add extras?
Absolutely:
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Crumbled bacon
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Sliced jalapeños
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Fresh thyme
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Parmesan on top for extra crust
Q: Can I make it lighter?
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Use less butter
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Reduce cheese by half
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Add a splash of cream instead of extra butter
Still indulgent, just less heavy.
Q: Is this a side or a main?
Mostly a side, but it’s amazing served with:
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Steak
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Pork chops
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Grilled chicken
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Burgers
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes.
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Oven at 325°F until warm
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Air fryer works great for small portions.